With funding to public schools shrinking across the United States, it is often the Arts which are first hit with the realities of budget cuts. This means, that very slowly but surely in some school districts, art programs, drama programs, band, chorus, and music programs are all being phased out of the public school environment.

With this in mind the creators of Glee and the National Association of Music Education have created the Give a Note Foundation. This organization seeks to provide funding assistance to struggling music programs across the country. Glee has decided that they will contribute one dollar of each DVD sale from Glee: Season 2 to raise 1 million dollars which will be donated to various schools in the United States.

Schools can win prizes of up to $50,000 in this nationwide contest. In order to participate, schools needed to create a video submission by October 10, 2011 which addresses why they need and deserve a monetary award. Currently Cranston East is in 3rd place in the contest and is on the verge on earning the funds which could help to save their music programs. You can help Cranston East save their music programs by visiting www.gleegiveanote.com and voting for their video submission.

Britney Period 1

10/25/2011 02:06:10 pm

I think it is great that Glee is actually getting involved and trying to help schools around the country. I am not very familiar with the arts programs in schools, but I know that if it was the sports programs or the physical education programs that were struggling, I would certainly want something like Glee to try and help with the struggle and try to save the department.

Michael p.6

10/25/2011 11:11:59 pm

i think its cool and nice that such a big company is trying to help out small high schools around the country. This is very generous of them to put their sales and give them to us so we can enjoy music and art as well, they show a good example that maybe some people might follow

Shawn Period 3

10/26/2011 01:02:57 am

It's good to start raising money for a good club. And it's good for people to get out and express what they are doing so maybe the schools will realize that band and other activities shouldn't be the first to be cut

Jessica Period 2

10/26/2011 03:36:35 am

I think it is great that something so large is recognizing a school in small Rhode Island. Rhode Island is often looked past and lately it has been receiving a lot of recognition. Glee is a very popular and famous TV show and if Cranston East were to win something like this, Rhode Island would only gain more popularity.

Monica Period6

10/26/2011 05:13:09 am

This is truely amazing! That a company so big is noticing a little place like Rhode Island. It's great for people to notice the arts and music because they really are important too! I hope Cranston East does end up winning, it would give Rhode Island some popularity!

Lexi Period 1

10/26/2011 05:51:06 am

I have been involved in art programs at school for about 7 years now. I can't imagine not being able to take them. It is really important, in my eyes and I'm sure many others, that there are school art programs. I think it is amazing that a school from Rhode Island is in the top three because we are a small state and don't really get recognized as much as bigger states for stuff like this. I hope Cranston East wins.

Rebecca Period 6

10/26/2011 06:00:42 am

This is such a great cause. The arts really are important. Not only do they help with grades, but they also help with personality and emotions. The arts serve as a good way to express things and let them out- both the good and the bad. Teens who are involved in the arts are less likely to be involved with drugs. The arts are definitely a good influence, and I'm glad that these organizations are fighting to keep it a part of our education.

Jenna; Period 1

10/26/2011 06:23:33 am

I'm really happy that such a big name like Glee is looking to help not only Rhode Island, but schools all over the country. No matter what state wins, somebody is being helped. It is very important to offer art programs in a school. Music and theater are just some of the many ways somebody can express themselves. I voted for Cranston East, good luck to them :-)

Keshia Period 4

10/26/2011 06:27:02 am

wow thats real nice of them. When they have some sort of problem i am sure that someone will help them since they are nice enough to be helping us. I do hope that Cranston East wins.

i think this is great that there trying to help high schools around the country. its amazing that a school in rhode island is in 3rd place. i hope cranston east wins!

Kyle Period 4

10/26/2011 06:59:38 am

I have a friend that goes to East and he loves chorus. I think that it's really good that Glee and the National Association of Music Education are helping the arts programs. I for one have voted for East and I really hope they win the contest. If they do, I can't wait to see my friends face, he'll be so happy. I also wish Pilgrim did this, it would be really cool. I love chorus and I am going to be doing it all four of my years at Pilgrim. I also know lots of people that love chorus as much as I do. Pilgrim Chorus is very fun, and our band is outstanding. When they play there songs immediately get stuck in my mind and I love it. I've watched the video for east and they really deserve to win. The things they do are amazing.

Greg Period 6

10/26/2011 07:45:44 am

Greg Period 6

10/26/2011 07:52:41 am

This is awesome. Rhode Island is never noticed by nationwide things. I would be so happy if Cranston East won. And it is really important that there is enough funding for the arts in public schools. Programs like Chorus and Band give students a way to express themselves in a constructive way. I, personally, love chorus. It isn't easy like most people think it is, but it gives you a break from the endless cycle of going into class sitting down, and writing for 40 minutes. It is a really fun time as well. So overall, i think it is great that Glee is recognizing how desperately the arts in public schools need more funding. Go Cranston East!!!

dana period 6

10/26/2011 09:46:01 am

I think that it is cool that a school from little Rhode Island could be third in a nation wide competition. The schools across America need the Arts. It has been proven that music can help improve the grades of students. Especially those who play an instrument. My vote is to Cranston East.

Julia per.6

10/26/2011 09:53:10 am

This is so awesome. RI isn't really ever noticed for things on a national level. My cousins live in Cranston. One of them attends George J. Peters elementary school. There are little music programs at his school. My other cousin goes to Cranston West. Her school has dwindling music programs.
I play in the band. If the arts programs were ever to get substantially cut here in Warwick, I don’t know what I would do. Band, Chorus, and Visual Art classes are excellent. Students get to show off their creativity and talents and I think that is awesome. If a student couldn’t show off his/her creative side, things would go badly.

Go East!! :)

Dominique 6

10/26/2011 10:25:35 am

Dominique 6

10/26/2011 10:34:27 am

Art programs, in my opinion, are the most important part of the school experience. Every student has three types of classes. The ones they dread, the ones they tolerate unhappily, and the ones they enjoy. Art programs and classes are usually the most enjoyable classes there are. If a student enjoys the class enough, they may decide their entire educational future on that particular subject and grow to be a well known artist, singer, or actor. If they never have the chance to experience these programs, students' futures may end up duller than they could have been.

sarah period 6

10/26/2011 10:40:08 am

I'm glad they are doing this. People that are into the arts do not really get as much attention as they should. A lot of the arts are very interesting. Hopefully Cranston East will win. The chorus and band stundents here are really good and deserve to show there true expressions, more.

Shailin Period 6

10/26/2011 11:07:14 am

I think it is really cool how they are trying to save their arts program at school. Also, how they are coming in thrid in the country. Winning all that money would be goo for them.

Austin L. Period 3

10/27/2011 04:46:12 am

As a member of the band I know how important the arts are for kids. It is great that they are doing this to help save these programs in the U.S. As for Cranston East, I feel that the money that could be headin their way is great. In fact I feel like Pilgrim should've entered because we are low on money too. I hope they win because it will help them keep something that would otherwise be cut from their program.

Drisanna w. period 4

10/27/2011 04:55:37 am

I think this is a really good way to suport music espeashaly with this really bad econamy

Katelyn R Per 2

10/27/2011 05:28:26 am

I think this is a great opportunity for the schools to take part in. It would be awesome to see Cranston East win this contest and win a huge amount of money. This will help to strengthen the music program at the school and will bring the students closer together. This huge amount of money can cover for so many things such as instruments and field trips. I think it is cool that a school from the smallest state in the country is in the top three for winning this contest. This will draw attention to not only the school but also the rest of the state.

Sam 3

10/27/2011 06:33:01 am

This is a wonderful thing for Cranston East. I have friends that I bowl with who go there and there music program is not as good as ours. So having them enter into this contest would mean alot to to not only Rhode Island but to Cranston East. I voted for them even though it's not our school.

Emma period 6

10/27/2011 07:22:59 am

I think this is really cool. Out of all the nation wide high schools, Cranston East is in 3rd place for a huge contest! If you think about it, It is amazing. I mean of all places, a school in Rhode Island got picked. This shows how much people actually care enough to vote for them. They must have had a very good video to almost win the prize. This would help their school a lot, and they will always remember this experience.

Dominique Period 4

10/27/2011 07:53:09 am

It's amazing that people want to help save art programs all over the country. It's also incredible that Cranston East is in third place!

Anneliese period 6

10/27/2011 09:49:47 am

I think it's amazing that a school in Rhode Island is being recognized like this. Art programs are a big part of school education, and I hope Cranston East wins!

Brianna period 1

10/27/2011 10:16:33 am

I think that this is a really great thing that Glee is doing! It is especially exciting that a local school is being recognized for their talents! I think that art programs need to be more recognized today, because it shows kids abilities with what they can actually do. Some schools do not have as good as a music program as we do, so I think its great the Cranston East is in this competition!

Mel Per 2

10/27/2011 08:09:06 pm

I think this is a great way to keep arts going through schools. Arts are often the classes where students feel they can express themselves more freely and if that were to be taken away, it would be difficult to find a new way for one to be expressive. It is also great that a school from Rhode Island is ranked 3rd. This competition shows a lot of dedication by students and teachers who strongly believe in keeping the arts alive in schools.

Nikkii Period 6

10/28/2011 12:11:42 am

Events like these should happen more often! Especially, in this economy, every donation, even the smallest, can make a big difference. Art is such an important aspect in a student’s education. It allows everyone an important chance to express themselves. In addition, it is proven that students who exceed in the arts generally perform better in school. My best friend’s cousin goes to Cranston East. She told me yesterday that he was in the video. Knowing that he is very proficient and adores the arts, I am glad to hear this great news! It is also interesting that a school, from the smallest state that is often forgotten, is in such a high position!

Danielle Period 3

10/28/2011 02:09:26 am

The give a note is a great idea to save the music programs all over the country. Without music and arts some kids may feel they have no way to express themselves or to enjoy an elective of their choice.

Jesse period 3

10/28/2011 02:13:54 am

How much does it really cost to have an art and music program? The only expense I can think of would be the teachers' salaries and all I ever hear about is people complaining about how teachers don't make much money anyway. There are already rooms where the classes can take place, kids can bring their own instruments for band and stuff, and how much do art supplies cost? Fifty bucks for a years worth of paint most likely. It shouldn't cost that much for these programs.

Sara Per 2

10/28/2011 05:02:14 am

Aw this is so cute! Glee is the bomb. This is such a great idea and gives little RI more pride. I feel like all schools should have a music & arts department, it keeps kids involved, keeping them doing something good and brings kids together, like in Glee! I love seeing people come together for a good cause, even if it's the smallest thing, it might make an impact on someone's life.

Meghan P. 4

10/28/2011 05:16:29 am

I think that this is amazing that they are recongizing small places like Rhode Island! This bog organization helping even the littlest schools!

Tayla period 1

10/28/2011 05:34:31 am

I think its great they are doing this for schools. Its also great that Rhode Island is in the contest as well. Its not fair that music is first to get cut and has little money

Alexis Per 1

10/28/2011 06:10:24 am

This is why Glee is a much better show than all the other crap ones on TV right now...
So many people under-appreciate the arts.... people say that chorus is pointless and a waste of money for school.. really? because some of those people go on and continue their talent through college and then they get big and maybe that person is beyonce or rihanna. how would everyone feel if there was no music on the radio??

this is just a great project all around;good luck to cranston east im so happy our little state is getting out there!!

Paige Period 3

10/28/2011 10:42:47 am

Im in chorus so of course I love music and would be extremely sad if Pilgrim was to lose our music programs. Im glad this was posted because I watched the video and East did a great job putting it together and I would love to see a school so close to us keep the music program going. I hope all school keep/obtain music programs because they are extremely important to so many people and music is truly inspiring.

Corey Period 2

10/28/2011 11:20:46 am

It is a wonderful thing that such a wonderful organization is doing a thing like this. The fortunate people are helping those who aren't as fortunate and are making them much happier. GLEE is a great group of people and they should definitely be recognized for their amazing efforts of helping others.

Erin Period 1

10/28/2011 11:45:15 am

I think it's very generous that Glee is doing this. Many kids are apart of the Arts. For some, it's their escape from everything and when they truly feel happy. The Give A Note Foundation is really great and I hope schools that are struggling to keep the Arts take this opportunity.

Rakel period 1

10/28/2011 01:01:21 pm

I think it's great what they are doing. I think music and art programs are really important to have in schools. I hope they will continue helping schools and that other people will help too.

Kayla period 1

10/29/2011 10:54:47 am

This is awesome! I believe in art, music, and drama programs and to see them cut would not be a good time! Even though I'm not into drama or music there seems to be a lot of people who love it! Good luck to Cranston East!!!

Cody period 3

11/4/2011 01:21:58 pm

Im glad schools are fighting to keep what they have the rite to because though any clubs like this are not a part of my life i believe they are huge for some people and should not be taken away